Page 5 of The Truth about the Duke
There was nothing more for Lydia to say but to agree. Arguing with her mother would do nothing and she had to acknowledge that her complaints were gaining her no ground either.
Though I do not intend to permit her to continue to guide my every step,she considered, as her mother wittered on just how little Lydia cared for propriety and how learning and reading extensively was not something that a young ladyought to be pursuing.I will find a way to make as much enjoyment of society as I can, despite these less than delightful circumstances.
“Are you listening to me?”
Lydia started lightly, then looked back at her mother. “Yes, of course. I have every intention of doing as you have asked.”
Her mother shook her head and sighed before stepping away, making for the door, and then throwing a glance towards Lydia, clearly expecting her to follow. With a nod, Lydia hurried after her, fully aware that her mother’s ire was already raised.
“Your father is waiting in the carriage already, and he knows very well what I have said to you before our departure,” Lady Hampshire continued, as they walked along the hallway to the open front door. “Do not think to let either of us down this evening, Lydia. Or it will be all the worse for you.”
“Yes,I have some dances still remaining.” Lydia’s jaw tightened as she kept her smile fixed. “Thank you, Lord Bridgemouth. You are very kind.” She dared a glance at her mother as she spoke, relieved to see that there was a small smile on her face rather than the glower she had been wearing thus far.
“How delightful!” Lord Bridgemouth – a gentleman with such a sharp nose that Lydia had trouble not staring at it – bent his head low and then wrote his name on her dance card. “I do always look forward to dancing with the young ladies, particularly the debutantes.”
“Is that so?” A little surprised – and slightly worried – but that certain remark, Lydia lifted an eyebrow. “And why might that be?”
Lord Bridgemouth grinned but it was not a pleasant smile. “Why, it is a pleasure to step out with such innocent young ladies, those who have never stepped out in society before. Itbrings me a sense of contentment to show them some of what London society is about.”
“Mmm.” Lydia tilted her head, her eyes narrowing just a little. “I must say, I – ”
A hand set onto Lydia’s shoulder, fingers digging into her skin. “That is so very kind of you, Lord Bridgemouth. I am certain that a good many debutantes are grateful to you for such a kindness.” Lady Hampshire pressed her fingers all the more tightly and Lydia fought not to wince. “My own daughter included.”
“Yes, indeed,” Lydia managed to spit out, though her smile was no longer present given the pain her mother’s fingers were pulsing through her shoulder. “I look forward to our dance, Lord Bridgemouth.”
The gentleman beamed at her, clearly entirely unaware of all that Lydia had been about to say and the questions she had been about to ask. Turning away, he walked to the very next young lady near to them and Lydia rolled her eyes, before snapping them back into place as her mother’s hand finally lifted.
“Lydia, what did I tell you?” Hissing out of the corner of her mouth, the Countess swung around to face Lydia. “You are not to – ”
“Lydia? Is that you?”
A familiar voice sent a flurry of relief through Lydia as she turned on her heel, ignoring her mother in an instant as she flung her arms tightly around her friend – and quickly heard her mother tut disapprovingly.
She did not care.
“Sophie! How glad I am to see you!”
Sophie, now Lady Markham, grasped Lydia’s hands tightly, her eyes shining. “Not as glad as I am to see you!”
“I did not think that you would be in London this Season!” Lydia exclaimed, still ignoring her mother’s presence. “Afteryour marriage last summer, I thought you would be enjoying summer at Lord Markham’s estate!”
Her dear friend smiled. “My husband is to bring his sister into society and make certain she finds a match. Thus, I am here in London again and overwhelmed with delight and joy at seeing you again! We have so much to talk about, so much to share, I am sure!”
Lady Hampshire cleared her throat and Lydia closed her eyes briefly, her happiness beginning to evaporate.
“Good evening, Lady Hampshire.” Lady Markham dropped into a quick curtsy, a warm smile on her face. “I must apologize for my lack of greeting, I was so caught up with delight in seeing Lydia again!”
A hint of a smile touched the edge of Lady Hampshire’s lips, though it quickly dropped. “Of course, Lady Markham. I do hope you have settled into your husband’s estate?”
“I have, yes.” With a warm smile, Lady Markham glanced at Lydia, jerking her head just a little to the left as Lydia began to smile, understanding what her friend meant for her to do. “And since I am now wed, I would beveryglad indeed to help chaperone Lydia. My husband is well acquainted with many of the gentlemen here in London – the unattached ones, I mean – and I would be able to make many excellent introductions.”
“Howverykind of you, Sophie!” Lydia exclaimed, looping her arm through her friend’s before her mother even had a chance to protest. “I shall return with my dance card quite full, I am sure.”
She stepped away quickly, hearing her mother splutter behind her but much to Lydia’s relief, nothing more was said or done to prevent her from taking her leave. They had only taken a few steps when Lydia let out a burst of laughter, quickly joined by Sophie.
“You didverywell, my dear friend,” Lydia giggled, as they both continued to weave their way through the crowd. “You are clearly very well aware that I have no interest or desire to be in company with my mother on this occasion!”
“I am sure that you have no desire to be at this occasion or any other occasion, is that not so?” Sophie lifted an eyebrow as Lydia winced. “You are still just as much of a bluestocking as ever.”
